Beneficial Effects of Alfalfa and Other Succulent Plants on the Growth of Immature Guinea Pigs Fed a Mineralized Dried Milk Ration

Abstract

Supplements of desiccated whole alfalfa promoted a significant increment in body weight in immature guinea pigs fed a mineralized spray-process dried-milk ration. Both the dried alfalfa juice and the water-washed pulp remaining after the extraction of the juice exhibited growth-promoting activity. The protective factor(s) in alfalfa is apparently distinct from any of the known nutrients. Supplements of dehydrated rye grass, orchard grass, wheat grass, fescue grass, oat grass and tuna solubles also showed significant growth-promoting activity. In contrast to the results obtained with a mineralized dried-milk ration, supplements of alfalfa meal did not promote a significant weight increment in immature guinea pigs fed a semi-synthetic diet.